Ondansetron and Constipation: What Users Say

• zof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 18, 2019

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I have been taking this medication at least once a week for about four years now. I have terrible stomach issues now that I no longer have my gallbladder that cause stomach pain, nausea and no appetite, as well as anxiety that manifests as nausea and stomach pain. I also have a HUGE fear of vomiting. This pill has always worked and kept me from vomiting, but on occasion the nausea sticks around but it’s nothing too terrible. I don’t know what I would do without this medication. It helps me live a normal life. I take 4 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, if it’s a rough day I’ll take 8 mg every 6-8 hours. The only downfall is the side effect of constipation, but as someone who is terrified of vomiting, I’ll take the constipation over vomiting any day."

• Hgg...
• April 22, 2021

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I have hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and have been miserable. Zofran is keeping me out of the ER right now. At first, I noticed it made me a little dizzy, and it still makes me feel just a little weird within the first hour, but it’s extremely tolerable. The constipation is super annoying, but talk to your doctor about it if that’s an issue, and you can probably take something to help that. It stops me from throwing up, but I am still definitely nauseous. Brings it from like a 10 to a 5 or 6 maybe, but I can EAT now. That is huge. I am eating small meals when I haven’t had a meal in weeks. I’ve been barely eating and drinking. I am completely dependent on Zofran to be any type of functional right now. It makes me a little tired but also gives me more energy to not just stay in bed all day because it makes me feel better. Highly recommend, just watch out for the side effects I mentioned. Nothing to be scared of, extremely tolerable for me :)"

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2011

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I suffer from both severe emetophobia (fear of vomiting) AND a panic disorder which causes nausea and gastric upset. I spent many years trapped in a horrible cycle of panicking any time I felt the slightest twinge of nausea, which in turn induced intense stomach upset, sometimes to the point of heaving. I've tried other anti-nausea medications in the past (Phenergan, Compazine), with so-so results, and the annoying side effect of extreme drowsiness. Zofran has been a real lifesaver for me. Within minutes of taking a pill, my nausea subsides. The only side effect I've experienced has been constipation, but I'll take that over vomiting any day!"

• pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2015

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I'm taking this for morning sickness. I feel like it has given me my life back. I lost over 6 lbs in 5 days due to nausea and vomiting and was too sick to do anything for my toddler, myself, or my home. I can tell when it's starting to wear off (at about 6.5-7 hr.) because the nausea comes right back. I'll take being backed up and a little drowsy as a side effect... It allows me to eat and keep things down and be present in my family's life. Never thought I'd be so happy to take a medication, but I'm SO thankful for Zofran."

• J13...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2016

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I was given this medication after a severe bout of anxiety and panic attacks. I lost 25 lbs in 2 weeks due to the panic and had no appetite. Of course, when you don't eat for that long, nausea can easily set in. I couldn't even move off the couch for fear of feeling extremely sick or dry heaving. I was finally given this miracle pill, and the nausea quickly went from 10 (the worst) to easily a 2 or 3 within about 45 minutes. I took it for a week as I tried to get my appetite back and anxiety under control with other meds. Highly effective. I did experience some constipation from this medication, but that could also be due to the starvation mode I was in for 2 weeks. Either way, highly recommend to anyone dealing with nausea."

• Ess...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2015

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and have had bad nausea/morning sickness since week 5. This medicine has been wonderful. There are times when I still feel sick, but it's bearable, and I don't throw up. I've been taking it so long now that the sleepiness it causes doesn't affect me anymore. However, the constipation from it has been a downer."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2017

Ondansetron for Gastroenteritis "I suffer from ulcers and get acid indigestion all the time. Of course, with that, I experience nausea daily. When it gets too intense, I take a 4 mg Zofran, and within 20-30 minutes, it subsides. I thank God this medicine was created! In the beginning, I would get constipated for about 24 hours after taking a pill, but I don't have that anymore. I am thankful for this medicine because I hate nausea/vomiting."

• Kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 26, 2016

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Zofran is a miracle drug! I've had this medication for several years on an as-needed basis. With my IBS and anxiety, I tend to get nauseous easily. Whatever the cause of my nausea may be, Zofran works every single time. Now that it's dissolvable, it makes it so much easier to take. The relief happens within 20-30 minutes, and usually 1 tablet is all I need. I do experience 2 side effects each and every time: a painful headache after the drug wears off (6-8 hours after taken) and constipation (practically nonexistent bowel movements) for 2-3 days. For the headache, OTC migraine meds work best. The constipation isn't bothersome enough for me to treat."

• Gin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2021

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I have extreme anxiety, which causes me to have stomach issues and be constantly nauseous. I love this medication, but the only side effect I have is constipation. I usually just take a Senokot or just eat the Fiber 1 bars. It works quickly. It doesn't taste the best, but it's absolutely worth it."

• jap...
• March 8, 2016

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I love this medication, it has made such a difference in my life. I was on the Zofran pump while pregnant for hyperemesis gravidarum, it is the reason I was able to carry my child to term. It is the reason we are both here today. I continue to take Zofran as needed for nausea stemming from complications with fibromyalgia, IBS, and celiac disease. It can cause constipation from time to time, but that is much easier than nausea and vomiting all the time. It melts quickly, and within minutes, the nausea is gone."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2021

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Horrible drug for me. Actually makes me nauseous and throws up. Nothing tastes right on this medication. One dose had me throwing up and nauseous, not able to eat for a couple of days. One dose had me constipated for about 5 days before I was back to normal (with taking stool softeners Rx after surgery). May work for some, but for me, it’s a NO go."

• Jor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2024

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Was diagnosed with cannabis hyperemesis about 2 months back. Unfortunately, at the time, it didn't seem like anything was going to work. Eventually, was admitted to the hospital due to severe dehydration. Body went into survival mode. Was throwing up for hours a day until dry heaving. About a month after symptoms started occurring again. Was given promethazine (which works great but sedation is tenfold) as well as it can only be taken for about 10 days at a time due to its harsh nature on the body. Started taking Zofran again, this time around it works. Knocks down the nausea from a 10 down to a 5 or 6 on good days. It really does help. I don't have any major side effects, aside from the constipation. No tiredness or dizzy spells. The activation time is about 30-60 minutes for me. Usually 4 mg every 8 hours. If that doesn't help, Benadryl 25mg 3x daily on top of it can also help with nausea."

• Anonymous
• October 2, 2011

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Zofran is a lifesaver! Works quickly and very well. I get bad anxiety and worry a lot, which causes recent and sometimes unbearable stomach upset. One pill and I'm good! I am so happy I found relief. It does cause constipation for me, but I'd much rather deal with that!"

• aaa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2019

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Zofran is incredible. I was prescribed it when I started suffering from constant nausea about three months ago, and it has been a lifesaver ever since. It works almost immediately, even after taking it for so long, and has only not worked twice, both times when I had already eaten fatty or greasy foods and had other meds in my system. It can make you extremely constipated, so make sure you're hydrating yourself and consuming lots of fiber, but other than that, I never experienced an adverse side effect or interaction."

• Mar...
• April 30, 2016

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I've been dealing with extreme nausea and vomiting for the past 6 months, and it finally got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore and went to the ER. They gave me Zofran through IV and was feeling better in about an hour. After I was released, I was on 4 mg every 8 hours, and for about a week, I was back to my old self. Then things started to go downhill, and they boosted it to 8 mg. Now it doesn't even work anymore and makes me more nauseous than I was before. I also got pretty bad constipation and headaches after taking the medication. Not to mention, if you're taking the tablets, be ready to handle the taste because it is DISGUSTING."

• nic...
• October 22, 2014

For Nausea/Vomiting "I recently started Zofran 4 mg for constant nausea and vomiting due to anxiety and panic disorder, severe emetophobia, and gastritis, and have had great results. It does cause crippling stomach cramps at times and some constipation, but those I can handle. I forever thought of Phenergan as my miracle after taking it for 5 years for a failing gallbladder (it's removed now), but Zofran has been so much more effective at stopping the constant nausea and allowing me to eat normally again! I love and keep it with me at all times!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2013

For Nausea/Vomiting "I am 7 weeks pregnant, and around 6 weeks, the 'morning' sickness began. I missed 2 days of work because I was miserable. I finally decided to call my doctor because I did not want to be missing work, especially since no one knows yet. It works great! I can make it through the day at work without constantly feeling like I need to vomit. I still get stomach aches and a little constipation, not sure if it's related to the medicine, but I'd take that over the nausea and vomiting any day. It's a lifesaver for the workday!"

• Me ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2015

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Zofran is great for nausea, but watch out for the constipation. I was prescribed 15 8 mg tablets last week and have used one tablet a day since then (about 5 days now), and after waiting, walking, and drinking copious amounts of water, I am going to need to try a suppository or laxative and have my dosage of Zofran decreased to 4 mg. Great medication, it does give me nausea relief, just something to be prepared for, I know I wasn't."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2019

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Wow! I went to the ER on Tuesday night, and it is now Friday, and I was given Zofran for my nausea on top of everything else I was dealing with, and this crap has made me nothing but nauseous with lots of throwing up and constipated! Not sure how long this is supposed to last, but it’s freaking annoying, and I definitely don’t see myself taking this ever again."

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2009

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Zofran for all-day morning sickness during pregnancy. It works very well, but causes constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. If I wait at least 12 or more hours between doses, the side effects are milder and the nausea is almost completely gone. Before I had this drug, I was miserable and missing work."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2011

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "Have been taking this medicine for the past 17 weeks with severe hyperemesis. Have been hospitalized 7 times with dehydration. This was mainly when I had the flu on top of the morning sickness. Zofran is a really great medicine, I'm on 8 mg three times a day. Side effects include lack of appetite and constipation. But the benefits far outweigh the risk of not having it. I am able to eat and drink what I need to keep this baby growing, and although I am still not able to return to work, I am able to do day-to-day tasks. In Australia, this isn't covered by any insurance at all, and for the 8 mg, they are $120 for 10 tablets, so at 3 a day and not being able to work, it is costing us a fortune, but again, on the positive side, the baby is healthy!"

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For Nausea/Vomiting "I have vomit anxiety, and during my four pregnancies, I spent most of the first four to five months so nauseated I could hardly stand up. Zofran was the only thing that helped me function. Only drawback was major constipation from having to take it every day."

• Ant...
• August 28, 2016

For Nausea/Vomiting "After being given Maxalon and Stemetil for severe nausea as my gallbladder was failing, didn't help at all. I was first given Zofran wafers at the ER, 4 mg, it was a miracle-nausea was gone almost instantly. I was then prescribed 8 mg of Zofran to be taken 3 times a day as needed. $20 for a week's supply was amazing, but as time went past, I built a tolerance and was taking 32 mg a day (24 mg max allowed) to even scratch the surface. Great for short-term use, but I recommend something else if you need nausea medication for longer than 6 months. Side effects: the occasional headache, although the constipation got quite annoying. In conclusion, amazing for nausea/vomiting. If you can push through it without depending on ondansetron, all the more power to you!"

• rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2017

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I have hyperemesis gravidarum. Never have I experienced relief with Zofran, minimal, if at all. Constipation goes hand in hand with this drug, and I'd rather have N&V all day than be as constipated as I am right now. You have to weigh your pros and cons with this drug, and it's not for me."

• mom...
• September 23, 2009

Ondansetron for Nausea/Vomiting "I take this medicine for severe morning sickness. I would have lost my job if it weren't for this medicine! It's the best! I only have good things to say about it! The only side effects I have are light headaches, anxiety at night sometimes, not often, and constipation, but I will take any of those any day over having to be glued to the toilet and in bed for 3 or more months!"